kehler



S. l. KEHLER.

DIRIGIBLE AIRSHIP. APPLlCATlON FILED JULY 20. I918.

1 20,867. Patented Nov. 4, 1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEEI 1- s. l. KEHLER.

DIRIGIBLE AIRSHIP. APPLICATION rim: JULY 20.19%

gwue nto'v 5herman;I- Ka hle 1".

Patented Nov. 4:, 1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEEI' 2 y/om SHERMAN I. KEHLER, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

DIRIGIBLE AIRSHIP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 20, 1918. Serial No. 245,881.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SHERMAN I. KEHLEn,

.a citizen of the United States, and a resiemployment of a pair of lateral side fins or ribs, a longitudinal vertically projecting fin and a keel for main strength or bracing.

members, all of which are placed at a maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the I aerostat.

Another object of the invention is to cover the rigid metallic skeleton with an envelop of strong but light fabric on which the resistance of the air is exerted during flight of T the dirigible and to place within the rigid metallic skeleton of the aerostat a numberof' balloons inflated with-hydrogen, the sum of whose lifting power constitutes the total ascensional efl ort of the dirigible.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in the construction of the metallic skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed.

longitudinally extending lateral ribs which form the dual function of bracing the structure longitudinally and imparting a dynamic lift during the progress of the dirigible also to provide a longitudinally extending to fin or rib, the sides of which converge and w hich assists in maintaining the direction of flight of the dirigible particularly in strong head wind and which further,has a tendency to divide and direct the air cur-. rent downwardl' about the outer surface of the envelop during the lift of the dirigible.

Another object of this invention is toprovide a dirigible airship as specified in which the rigid skeleton provides means which dispenses with the necessity of the employment of air ballonnets in the pisciform dirigible or any type which ordinarily requires a ballon-net to prevent the envelop from becoming flaccid due to the loss of hydrogen, and consequently losing its original shape and compromising its general equilibrium.

Other objects of the invention \villappear in the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying draw ings, forming a part of this specification, and in which drawingsz. t

Figure 1 is a perspective View of .the im proved dirigible airship.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal horizontal section of the air ship. I Y

Fig. 3 is a Vertical-section through the airship.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the airship. I

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of the longitudinal-bracing ribs of the rigid metallicskeleton. Y I

Fig. 6 is adiagrammatic view illustrating the construction of the keel of the dirigible.

Referring more,particularly to the draw ings, 1 indicates the aerostat of the dirigible as an entirety, which includes a rigid skeleton frame indicated at 2, and composed of a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 3 constructed of aluminum or other light material and being substantially the shape of an equilateral triangle in cross section. The lrmgitudinally extending ribs Patented Nov. 4, 191.9.

3 are connected by relatively short ribs 4, 2

extending from one longitudinal rib to the one next thereto. circumferentially of the aerostat 1. The rigid metallic skeleton 2 is braced by a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs or fins 5, 6and'7, as well asby the keel structure 8. Thefins or ribs '6 and 7 are positioned in, diametrically opposed relation and are right angular triangular in cross section having the bases 9 of which preferably aline with the center of the aerostat 1 and which ribs or braces project beyond the outer surface of the aerostat for imparting a dynamic lift to the aerostat 1 during travel of the same as well as bracing the rigid metallic skeleton. These ribs or fins 6 and 7 are composed of a plurality of longitudinally extending angular corner braces indicatedat 10 which are connected by cross braces indicated at 11. 1

The top centrallvdisposed longitudinally extending rib or lin.5 is'tlie shape of an. equilateral triangle in cross section, having itsjbase toward the center of the aerostat while its apex .projectsbeyond ,the outer surface of the aerostat forming a longitudinally extending brace for the rigid metallic skeleton 2 and also assisting in the mainrib or fin 5 is built up from angular corner brace structures 13 each of which is the shape of an equilateral triangle in cross section and comprises longitudinally extending angled pieces 14 connected by straight braces 15 and diagonal braces 16. These corner braces or bracin members 13 are in turn connected by straig t or parallel braces 17 and diagonal braces 18 to form the Skeleton frame of the rib 5. braces and angled members of the various rib structures are preferably constructed of aluminum for providing a strong rigid and yet light skeleton frame. a

The interior of the skeleton frame 2 is divided into a plurality of compartments by suitable wires or rods 19 which have their outer-ends connected to the longitudinally extending ribs 3 and their'inner ends con nected to the annular flanges 20 of collars 21. The collars 21 are positioned at the longitudinal axis of the skeleton frame and are keyed or otherwise suitably attached to a cable 22. The cable 22 extends throughout the entire length of the aerosftat and has one end attached to a suitable cap 23 attached to the tail end of the aerostat l and its other end connected to a bolt 24 which is adjustably carried by a cap 25 at the nose end of the aerostat. By adjusting the posi tion ofthe bolt 24 with respect to the nose cap 25, the tension upon the skeleton frame may be regulated as desired.

' The aerostat 1 contains a number of balloons 26, one being positioned in each of the compartments formed by the radiating wires or rods 19 and these balloons are inflated with hydrogen. The sum of the lifting power of the'balloons 26 constitutes the total ascensional effort of the dirigible. The various balloons 26 are shapedto snugly fit within the skeleton frame 2, as clearly shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings and they are provided with axial sleeves 27 of the usual construction in balloons of this nature through which sleeves the cable 22 extends. The ordinary type of valve may be em loyed for inflating and deflating the ba loons. W'hen inflated, the balloons are held from engagel'nent with the framework of the skeleton 2 by a protecting nettin 28 of relatively fine cord or other suitab e mateerably contains the cabin for passengers,

All of the inner surfaces of the various longitudinal and circumferential braces 3 and 4 respectively, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The radiating wires 19 prevent deformation I of the various balloons 26.,

The keel 8 extends longitudinally along the center of the lower portion of the rigid skeleton frame 2 diametricallyopposite of the rib 5 and it is made up of angular members or braces 26 and suitable cross and diagonal braces 27 in the same manner in which the rib or fin -5 is constructed as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings.

The keel 8 is illustrated in the drawings as positioned exteriorly of the body of the aerostat, but it is to be understood that this keel may be positioned within the body if it is so desired, without departing from the spirit of this invention. The keel 8 prefspace for cargo, .fuel tanks, equipment, supplies and various control levers and mechanism of the dirigible. The engines and propellers 28 of the dirigible may be carried by suitable supports 29 which project outwardly from the-keel 8, one from each side of the keel as shown in Fig. 3 ofthe drawings. 7

In Fig. 6 of the drawings, a modified form of the construction of the keel is shown.

In this form, the keel 8 is composed of corner bracing members 26 which are substantially W-shaped in cross section forming a more substantial structure than that illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings, however the specific construction of the keel 8,

. or 8 and the various ribs or fins 5, 6 and 7 form no part of this invention, suchconstruction being left to the desire of the manufacturer and as necessity may require.

The aerostat 1 has the usual vertical and lateral stabilizing or empennagefins 30 and 31 carried thereby and placed behind the center of gravity of the aerostat while the usual typeof elevating plane indicated at 32 and rudder indicated at 33 are also provided.

The entire skeleton 2 of the aerostat, as well-as the various longitudinally extending ribs or fins are covered with an envelop of strong but light fabric on which 'the resist. ance of the air is exerted during progress of the dirigible and which envelop is held spaced from the various balloons 2fi,by the skeleton 2 and netting 28, providin -"an air space between the balloons and env lop and also preventing the overheating of the hydrogen within the balloon during the travel of the dirigible.

It will be noted by particular referenceto 1215 Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, that the horizontal ribs 6 and 7 and the keel 8 enter the envelop 35, near the rear end of the aerostat, or at the forward end of the various lateral and vertical fins 30 and 31 from ma am which point/they extend to the tail or rear end of the aerostat'Within the, envelop to prevent interference of their various planes or surfaces with the operation of the this and elevating planes and rudders. i

It is to 'be understood that-the. cable 22 may be elminated in the constructionof'the the spiritaof this invention.

From the foregoing description takenin connection with the accompanying dra wings, it will be apparent that a dirigible, the

dirigibleif desired, without departing from v 1 sent-mg hor1zontal surfaces toward the under aerostat of which is pisciform' in shape,

which has a rigid metal skeleton, for maintaming the envelop against'its becoming flaccid and eliminating the necessityofair ballonnets to maintain the original shape of the diIfigible, has been 1pro ided'and the adjustment of thecab 22, the tension ,of

therigid metallic skeleton and the arious-" balloons 26, may be regulatedwasrequired Changes. in details'may be made Without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; but, 1 I-claim: 1. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat comprising a rigid metallic-skeleton including'aplurality of longitudinal circumferentially spaced. ribs, relatively short rib having their ends connected to adjacent 'longitudinal ribs and arranged to form spaced circumferential bracing for the skeleton, and

a plurality of relatively large longitudinally extending strengthening ribs, exterior-1y of the general contour of the aerostat and presentingifl'at inner sides to theaer ostatfiv 2.1n a dirigible airship,a rigid aerostat; a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extend-f ing" longitudinallyof the aerostat and pre senting horizontal surfaces toward the un-f der surface of the aerostat exteriorly'of the general contour of the aerostat and present-.

ing flat inner sides to the aerostat.

3; In a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat', a trellis WOIkf' rib" extending longitudinally along the center oft-he uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat. i I

4. Ina diri'gible airship, a rigid aerostat,

a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat a d presenting horizontal surfaces toward t e under surface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a rib extending longitudinally along-the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting inclined sldes diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat.

5. In a dir1g1ble airship, a isciform aerostat comprising a rigid meta lic skeleton, a-

balloon within said skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinall; of the aerostat and presenting hori- .zontal surfaces toward the under surface of longitudinallf exteriorly o i the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof and presenting flat inner sides to said. balloon.

6. In a dirigible airship, a'pisciforin aerostat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton, a plurality of balloons Within said skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extend ing longitudinally of the aerostat and presurface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof and presenting flat inner sides to said balloon, and an envelop inclosing said skeleton.

\ 7 In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton, a balloon Within said skeleton, a fabric envelop inclosing said skeleton, a netting holding said balloon from engagement With the skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribsextending longitudinally of the aerostat and presentin horizontal surfaces toward the under surface of the aerostat exterior-1y of the general contour thereof.

8. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton, a

balloon Within said skeleton, a netting holding said balloon from engagement with the skeleton, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat, and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat.

9. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aQI'O stat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton including a pluralityof longitudinal circu1nferentially spaced ribs,relatively short ribs having their ends connected to adjacent longitudinal ribs and arranged to form spaced circumferential bracings for the skeleton, a plurality of relatively lar e extending strengthening rifis the general contour of the aerostat, said strengthening ribs each con1- prising longitudinal substantial triangularly shaped corner bracing members and -metal trellis Work connecting sa1d corner bracin members.

1.0. n 21'd1I1g1bl6 airship, a pisci'form aerostat comprislng a rigid metallic skeleton, a pluralit of relatively large longitw.

dinally exten ing strengthening ribs exteriorly of the general contour of the aerostat and presenting flat inner sides to the aerostat, said strengthening ribs each comprising longitudinal substantially triangularly shaped corner bracing members and met' trellis Work connecting said corner bracing members.

11. In a dirigible airship, an aerostat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton, a cable longitudinally through the center of t e aer stat, a plurality of disk mounted upon said cable, a lurality o1 radiating wires connected to said disks and to said metallic skeleton, a plurality of balcenter of the lowermost portion 0 aerostat.

loons within said skeleton, said radiatin wires preventing endwise deformation 0 the balloons, a netting within said skeleton for preventing engagement of the balloons 5 with the skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat and presenting horizontal surfaces toward the under surface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contourthereof.

12. In a dirigible airship, an aerostat comprising a rigid metallic skeleton,a cable ex-v tending longitudinally through the center of the aerostat, a plurality of disks mounted upon said cable, a plurality of radiating wires connected to said disks and to said metallic skeleton, a plurality of balloons within said skeleton, said radiating wires preventing endwise deformation of the balloons, a netting within said skeleton for preventing engagement of the balloons with the skeleton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extendinglongitudinally of the aerostat and presenting horizontalsurfaces toward the under surface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a

' rib extending longitudinally'along the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat extending longitudinally o'f'the aerostat and presenting horizontal surfaces toward the undersurface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portlon of the aerostat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat, and a fabric envelop inglosing said skeleton and said longitudinal r1 s.

14. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat comprising ari 'd metallic skeleenvelop inclosing said skeleton, a netting holdin said balloon fromengagement with the ske eton, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat and presenting horizontalsurfaces toward the under surface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, and a trellis work keel formed longitudinally alon the the ton, a balloon within sai skeleton, a fabric;

15. In a dirigible airship, a 1pisciform aerostat comprising a. rigid meta lic skeleton, a plurality of relatively large longitudinally extending strengthening ribs exteriorly of the general contour of the aerostat and presenting flat, inner sides to the aerostat, said strengthening ribs each comprising longitudinal corner bracing members and a metal trellis work connecting said corner bracing members, a pair of said strengthening ribs being diametrically opposed and presenting flat horizontal surfaces toward the undersurface of the aerostat.

16. In a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat andpresenting horizontal surfaces toward the un'-.

der surface of-the terostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion-of the aerostat and presenting inclined "sides diverging toward 'the main contour of the aerostat, and a trellis work keel formed longitudinally along the center of the lowermostportion of the-aerostat.

- 17. In a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat and presenting horizontal surfaces toward the un der surface ofthe aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat, a trellis work keel formed longitudinally along the center of the lowermost portion of the aerostat, a

cable extending longitudinally through the center ofthe aerostat, and adjustable means connected to 'one end of the cable to regulate longitudinal tension on the aerostat.

18. In a'dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the. uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting, inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat, said rib comprising longitudinal substantially triangularly shaped corner bracing members and trellis work connecting said corner braein members. a

19. n a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat, a pair of diametrically opposed ribs extending longitudinally of the aerostat and presenting horizontal surfaces toward the'nnder surface of the aerostat exteriorly of the general contour thereof, a' cable extending longitudinally through the center of the aerostat, and adjustable means connected to' one end of the cable to regulate longitudinal tension on the aerostat.

20, In a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat,

a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aeiostat, a cable extending longitudinally through the center of the aerostat, and ad ustable means connected to one end of the cable to regulate longitudinal tension upon the aerostat.

21. In a dirigible airship, a rigid aerostat, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion of the aerostat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat and a fiat inner surface to the aerostat.

22. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat, a plurality of balloons within said aerostat, means preventing deformation of the balloons, caps upon the nose and tail end of the aerostat, means extending centrally through the aerostat for regulating longitudinal tension upon the aerostat, a rib extending longitudinally along the center of the uppermost portion of the aero'stat and presenting inclined sides diverging toward the main contour of the aerostat, said rib gradually decreasing in height toward said ca s.

23. In a dirigible airship, a isciform aerostat comprising a rigid metal ic skeleton, a plurality of balloons within said skeleton, a cable extending longitudinally through the center of the balloon, adjustable means connected to one end of the cable to regulate longitudinal tension upon the aerostat, said balloons provided with self closing openings in the center of their end portions adapted to receive said cable therethrough. Y

24. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat, comprising a rigid skeleton including a plurality of longitudinal circumferentially s aced ribs, relatively short ribs having t eir ends connected to the adjacent longiing a plurality of longitudinal circumferen tially spaced ribs, relatively short ribs having their ends connected to the adjacent longitudinal ribs and arranged to form spaced circumferential bracing for the skeleton, an axial tensioning member within the aerostat, a plurality of disks mounted upon said tensioning member, and radiating wires connected to said disk and said skeleton frame at the connection of said longitudinal relatively short rib, a plurality of balloons within said skeleton, one balloon being positioned within each adjacent set of said radiating wires, said wires preventing endwise deformation of said balloons.

26. In a dirigible airship, a pisciform aerostat, comprising a rigid skeleton including a plurality of longitudinal circumferentially spaced ribs, relatively short ribs having their ends connected to adjacent longitudinal ribs and arranged to form spaced circumferential bracing for the skeleton, a plurality of relatively large longitudinally extending strengthening ribs of trellis work and positioned exteriorly of the general contour of the aerostat, and an envelop inclosing said skeleton and strengthening ribs.

SHERMAN i; KEHLER. 

